Obituary of Mark Nicol

A memorial service for Mark Nicol, age 71, of Milford, will be held Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 2:00pm at Excelsior Methodist Church. Burial will be at Excelsior Township Cemetery. Mark (Nick) Nicol passed away at the Nicol family farm on April 30, 2019. If you had a chance to know him you would recall his old time independence, pride in family heritage, and loyalty to friends. He lived his life inspired by the frontiersman of the old west and would often say he was born a century late. While he traveled quite far and wide as a young man, the one place he always wanted to return to was the Nicol century farm. Nick held the fondest memories of his childhood being on the Nicol farm with his father Dwight, mother Sylvia, and younger sister Marilyn. After Sunday school - and well probably during Sunday school - he looked forward to practicing quick draws with his father or causing mischief for his mom and sister. During these times he was also surrounded by a grand array of aunts, uncles and so many beloved cousins - with whom he played his best role as leading prankster. From youth grew his fierce love of freedom & comradery, both of which brought him through many dramatic turns & near misses. His forthright nature led him to treat people like old friends even upon a first meeting & his loyal character led him to never forget a friend. As he came of age in the 60's Nick grew to be a leader of those whose hearts were golden even when their words and deeds could not always be so. Like his parents, Nick always had a soft heart for the little ones. He would always joke and tease and make every little kid laugh. From his boyhood 'Pal' to his last best friend 'Lil Man' he always had a great dog beside him while walking the old lands witnessing the wild animals of the woods and prairie which he so deeply admired. He was an avid reader, especially of old west lore. He held a great knowledge of how to grow organic gardens and, combining with his strong work ethic, he had one of the most incredible green thumbs. He may have even been born a few years too early, for in this technological age he could have made a hit gardening show with his amazing growing skills & old time humor. As a father Nick passed on his strong work ethic - as every father should - and with his son Shawn would grow amazing 2 acre gardens. Harvests were so bountiful that there was enough for family and friends well into the fall, with much more to be kept in the cellar & freezer through the winter. Passing at the beginning of a spring, the homestead garden will go untilled. Yet Nick left with us his knowledge and many stories, and finally he is in his right time - joining all of his old friends with the Maker of All Gardens.